Not yet ready to make your own kimchi? The Washington Post Food section tasted prepared varieties and lists them here in order of appreciation:
1. Tobagi (fresh). Our top pick. Bright red in color, fiery and pungent with garlic, it has a heavy hit of fishiness on the finish. The cabbage is cut into large strips that stay crunchy. Scallions add contrast and a nice little bite. Now this is kimchi. 16 ounces, $4.49; available at the Korean-American Asian supermarket chain H Mart (2751 S. Parker Road, Aurora, 303-745-4592).
2. Tobagi (jarred). A respectable store-bought variety. Large pieces of cabbage and radish are complemented with a little apple and pear for sweetness. An attractive red color; the heat is tempered and evenly dispersed but note: The ingredients include MSG. The wide-mouth jar is also a plus. 16 ounces, $3.49; available at H Mart stores and online at .
3. Sunja’s. A watered-down version for kimchi novices. The pros: The vegetables have an appealing crunch and would make a great addition to a hot dog or tacos. The cons: Both the mild white and medium spicy cabbage we tried are vegetarian- friendly, but without any salted fish they lacked that addictive oomph. 16 ounces, $3.50; available at Whole Foods Markets.
